In my second year of competitive cycling since my hiatus, I was anxious to learn how my form has progressed from the previous year. The last 5 weeks have been emotionally draining and my training although not disrupted, was more unstructured than I had originally planned. Throughout the winter all my riding was performed indoors. Only in the last two weekends did I actually get outside and road some challenging routes to test my legs. I felt good.
Although the day would be sunny, it was cold with a brisk north wind. For the most part I felt rather relaxed as compared to last year. This race last year followed two previous early season races with Easter falling later in April, but this year the race was the first of the season and a confirmed 97 participants in this Master 3 category had me a little concerned. Master 3 being the entry level into competitive master cycling, there would be a few first timers which would make for some nervous conditions. It was imperative to stay towards the front!
For this 2012 cycling season I am racing with Erace Cancer Cycling Team, established to bring cancer awareness and raise funds for The Princess Margaret Hospital. I had 3 teammates in the race but for the most part, I had expected us to race independently. Needless to say, it was nice to see familiar jerseys. We set off at approximately 8:30am for our 3 lap 55km race. From the start I ensured I was placed well within the peloton sitting within the first 15 cyclists. The pace was moderate which resulted in the peloton riding shoulder to shoulder and leaving little to no room to advance and requiring more attention to avoid potential hazards. As we approached the first drumlin, you could sense the anxiety settling in as the pace increased. Last year I recall standing up on the pedals, forcing them over and gasping for air on the climbs, however as I crested the first climb, I was sitting comfortably in the saddle, feeling strong and breathing comfortably. An indication my fitness has improved.
For the first lap and a half, we maintained a rather moderate pace such that towards the end of the second lap, we were neutralized to allow the following Senior 4 category to pass. Somewhat embarrassing but hey, as I overheard a spectator on one of the climbs say; these must be the old guys. I had to smile… I was officially an old guy!
For the remaining part of the race, I concentrated more on maintaining my position or moving closer to the front. A few times on the climbs there was some bumping of handlebars which left me a little uneasy. However due to the size of the field, little opportunity presented itself to move up. Along the last 3rd of the race, I tried to position myself towards the front up the left hand side of the road while attempting to observe the yellow line and avoiding being disqualified. It became a little too dodgy for my liking so I proceeded to move through the peloton towards the right and again attempt to move towards the front. I began to make some headway and with approximately 1km remaining, I was positioned nicely for the sprint finish. Sitting within the top 15, suddenly two cyclists crashed directly ahead of me. I saw one fly head over heels and other appearing on all fours on the road. With no where to go, initially I thought that was it, I was going down. At the last moment, I pulled up on my handlebars, clearing the front wheel over the downed cyclists, and thrusting the rear of the bike over him. I made it! OMG!!! In the past I have had some dramatic recoveries, but this one had to be an all time best! Either that or someone was looking out for me. With the crash avoided, I was then confronted by sudden cramps in both calves likely the result of the exertion to avoid the crash. I stood up and pushed both heels towards the ground to stretch them out. It provided some relief. With the last corner in sight, I did what I could to move up further as I had dropped back considerably. Leaning shoulder to shoulder with another cyclist, I almost go down again but manage to stay up. With the corner taken, a long line ahead of me begins to sprint. I do what I can and make up a few positions to take 11th place; a respectable placing for the first race of the season.
For the most part I was satisfied with the race. I felt good and strong on the climbs but admittingly did not feel like I had much energy. Understandably, its difficult to get up and motivated for an early race start when its 1 degree Celsius and the moderate pace may have been an indication of such.
Up next is Calabogie Classic in Calabogie, ON on April 22, 2012. Held at the Calabogie Motorsports Park, 11 laps of a 5.05km asphalt track with 20 turns, 20 meter changes in elevation and up to 6% cambers in turns, it is sure to be a good time. Looking forward to it!
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